In a rare public spat between Ukraine’s leaders, President Volodymyr Zelensky has slammed the mayor of Kyiv for what he said was a poor job of setting up “emergency shelters.”
In the aftermath of Russian missile strikes on the power grid, Ukraine has set up thousands of centers where people can get heating, water, Internet connections and mobile phones, as well as keep warm after Russian attacks.
“Unfortunately, local authorities have not shown themselves well in all cities. In particular, there are a lot of complaints in Kyiv and, to put it mildly, more work needs to be done,” the Ukrainian president added.
public criticism
He continued: “Pay attention, the people of Kiev need more support, many of them remain without electricity for 20 or even 30 hours. We expect the mayor’s office to do a very good job.”
The remarks are unusual given Zelenskiy’s efforts to promote an image of national unity during the war, and he often praises officials.
Klitschko, a 51-year-old former professional boxer, was elected mayor of Kyiv in 2014. There was no immediate response from his office.
no electricity
About half the population of the capital, Kyiv, was still deprived of vital electricity in a cold winter, two days after Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said in his daily address: electricity continues. tonight in most regions and in Kiev. In total, more than six million families.
“We must get through this winter – a winter that everyone will remember,” Zelensky wrote on Facebook on Friday.
